Polish family targeted in hate attacks

Anna Bloch and her family have lived in Inverary Drive for several years, but after midnight on Thursday a brick was thrown through their window.The young woman, her mother and step-father were in the house at the time, but were not hurt.Her brother's home was also attacked with a brick. He lives with his wife and 11-year-old son in the nearby Sandbrook Park area.Police have also appealed for information on a third property which was attacked in Victoria Court.The attacks, which police are treating as hate crimes, are the latest in a series of similar incidents in recent months.Local DUP councillor Gavin Robinson met with Ms Bloch to offer his support after the incident, which he said was "appalling"."For a community that two weeks ago was being hailed as one which came together with a strong community spirit, last night's incidents are in no way reflective of the overwhelming majority of people within the Sydenham area of Belfast," he commented.Mr Robinson called upon anyone in the area who may have information to contact the police.East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton also condemned the incident."Only a few days ago the health minister was indicating that we needed new doctors, more nurses and medical staff in general to support our health service," he said."Many of these people come here to actually help us in our health services and bring skills to our economy. Those who carry out these attacks need to think about this."East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said these attacks would not be tolerated by the community."I am outraged that anyone should be targeted for this kind of attack. Hate crime is completely unacceptable and rejected by the vast majority of people in East Belfast," he said."There is no place in our society for this type of behaviour and I would urge the whole community to stand together in condemnation."Although she said she was scared and that the next few days would be "difficult", Anna said she wanted to stay as she believes it is a "nice area" despite the attacks.